Chris Billam-Smith could achieve a childhood dream at the Vitality Stadium in his hometown of Bournemouth when he takes on cruiserweight champion Lawrence Okolie this Saturday.
The cruiserweight duo were once teammates at Shane McGuigan's gym until Okolie left for Kronk Gym boss SugarHill Steward, leaving the pair available to meet for the Brit's belt in a stadium showdown. Their feud hasn't made for an heated build-up as such, but there is certainly an air of bad blood between the two given their history together.
Okolie is a monster favourite given his far superior CV, but Billam-Smith will be buoyed on by a record-breaking home crowd that could help him to an historic victory. The stacked undercard sees the returns of many well-known faces in British boxing on an important night at the seaside stadium.
Here's all you need to know about the fights...
What time is Lawrence Okolie vs Chris Billam-Smith on in the UK?
The main card for Okolie vs Billam-Smith will get underway at 7pm on Saturday night in the UK. Ring walks for the undisputed cruiserweight title fight in the main event are expected to get underway around 9pm, but this time is subject to change depending on the results of the undercard.
Who wins tonight - Lawrence Okolie or Chris Billam-Smith? Let us know your prediction in the comments section below
How to watch Lawrence Okolie vs Chris Billam-Smith on TV and live stream
Okolie's fight with Billam-Smith is being broadcast exclusively on Sky Sports Action in the UK. Fans with an existing subscription to Sky Sports can watch the fights at no extra cost. You can also watch the event via the downloadable player or on the Sky Sports app which is available on your mobile, tablet and smart TV devices.
Full fight card
Lawrence Okolie vs Chris Billam-Smith - WBO Cruiserweight title
Mikael Lawal vs Isaac Chamberlain
Lee Cutler vs Stanley Stannard
Michael McKinson vs Lebin Morales
Mace Ruegg vs Dean Dodge
Lewis Edmondson vs Petar Nosic
Alireza Ghadiri vs Jonatas Rodrigo Gomes de Oliveira
Sam Eggington vs Joe Pigford
Karriss Artingstall vs Jade Taylor
Odds
Okolie 1/4
Billam-Smith 3/1
Draw 16/1
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Quotes corner
Promoter Ben Shalom: “Bournemouth has turned out to be a sleeping giant of the British boxing scene. Our visit absolutely blew us away, the crowd was unbelievable and to this day it’s an event BOXXER staff still talk about. The atmospheres at both our Bournemouth events have been indescribable and I really cannot wait to see what level things go to when the main event fighters are walking out at the Vitality Stadium on May 27th.
“We are unbelievably fortunate to have Joe Ashford-Ellis as our partner in Bournemouth. He was so passionate about bringing us here and he’s moved heaven and earth to make these events happen, motivated by his desire to do something for the young people here.
"That motivation gives him limitless energy and we honestly couldn’t have asked for a better partner as we prepare to stage the biggest non-football sports event in Bournemouth history.”
